The Counterattack Plan of A Villain With Ten Thousand Fans - Chapter 144

Chapter 144

Due to the unexpected visit from Noel and Carlot's oversight in informing Old Wilmore about Ling Chunann's visit, Ling Chunann left after lunch, with Noel accompanying him.

After sending the two off, Carlot felt downcast for quite some time until General Wilmore called him into the study.

Since returning from the Wilmore residence, Carlot seemed to subtly distance himself from Ling Chunann, although it wasn't blatantly obvious.

"Do you want to team up for the practical combat class tomorrow?" Ling Chunann asked before class ended.

"No, I've made plans with Anke," Carlot replied without turning back, "I have to go first."

"What's gotten into him?" 098 wondered. Previously, this person would find any excuse to accompany their host home, almost wishing to move into Ling Chunann's dorm, but recently, he would rush off as soon as class ended, unwilling to even engage in extra conversation.

"It's nothing," Ling Chunann smiled at Carlot's hurried departure, "Don't worry, hasn't the favorability not dropped?"

"…Right," 098 felt slightly reassured.

As a system devoid of emotions, 098 couldn't grasp the complexities. In families like Wilmore's, being the sole heir, it wouldn't matter if Carlot favored a beta or omega. However, if the partner were an alpha, it would be strictly prohibited.

Thus, for Ling Chunann, the last 5% of favorability was the hardest to earn. Nevertheless, Ling Chunann didn't seem particularly concerned, knowing there was still plenty of time.

During Carlot's aloofness and Noel's occasional overtures, the first academic year quickly passed.

That year, 098 realized the invincibility of its host's charm. With only alphas and betas in the school, it wasn't surprising that many betas were fond of Ling Chunann. However, it was unexpected that no alphas rejected his pheromones, and many even became friendly with him. For this reason, 098 even checked Ling Chunann's genes for mutations, finding everything normal.

However, it was strange that no one confessed to Ling Chunann throughout the year. Despite the longing looks in their eyes, no one dared to make a move, which greatly concerned 098. After several unsuccessful investigations, it had no choice but to let it go.

Ling Chunann didn't stay at school during the two-month summer break but took a part-time job at Marui's mech design company, learning mech design in the process.

Noel, unusually, didn't stick close to Ling Chunann, giving 098 a few days of relief. However, it started feeling uneasy when it couldn't trace Noel's whereabouts, feeling the system was malfunctioning, "Host, Lord Noel hasn't contacted you for two days!"

"If you miss him, I can call him over." Ling Chunann responded while reviewing blueprints.

"…No need, perhaps he's busy with something urgent."

"How's Xiaolin doing?" Ling Chunann inquired.

"He's working as a laborer in a mech factory, per your instruction to Marui, to help him earn tuition fees," 098 explained, "Host, why did you help him?"

"Because…" Ling Chunann drew out his answer, "It's fun."

Thinking about the protagonist who had to accept help from a roommate he didn't like due to Noel sabotaging all other part-time opportunities, 098 found itself speechless. However, it had to admit that seeing someone who once wanted to harm its host in distress was indeed amusing.

Originally, Xiaolin, with his S-grade mental strength, would have had his tuition fully waived. However, this time, with Ling Chunann and Noel's intervention, it was fortunate he wasn't expelled from school.

Although Noel never inquired, Ling Chunann felt he knew about his past with Xiaolin. On a few accidental encounters, the killing intent in Noel's eyes was almost uncontrollable. If it weren't for Ling Chunann not wanting Xiaolin dead, he probably wouldn't know how many times he could have died.

"Host, something terrible has happened!" 098 suddenly exclaimed one day as the summer break neared its end.

"Quiet."

The voice ceased instantly.

After half an hour, Ling Chunann finally put down his pen, satisfied with the blueprint in front of him. Only then did he remember the neglected 098, "What's the matter?"

"Host, the Imperial Crown Prince and the protagonist, Xiaolin, met ahead of schedule," 098 reported anxiously, "Now, they've gone out on a date together. The Crown Prince seems to like Xiaolin."

"What's so strange about that?"

"But host, in the original story, the Crown Prince was supposed to meet Xiaolin at the opening ceremony next semester," 098 explained.

The Crown Prince, a fifth-year student next semester, had been sent by the Emperor to the military for training due to suspicious activities on a border planet

 last year. He was supposed to return to continue his studies this year, with his meeting with Xiaolin slated for the next semester's opening ceremony. Why did he return early?

Then 098 thought of Noel, who had been elusive over the past two months, and quickly searched the border war records, suddenly understanding.

Thinking of Noel, busy with war yet still finding time to check in on his host, 098 felt he was indeed remarkable.

"Counterattack value +5%, current counterattack value at 35%. Please continue your efforts, host."

The counterattack value, which had barely increased over the year, finally moved, leaving 098 touched but puzzled about the reason for the increase.

Everything seemed normal with the protagonist and supporting characters; the Crown Prince's early meeting with Xiaolin should have been bad news. Why did it increase the counterattack value? 

Xiaolin was overjoyed, although the other party hadn't revealed his identity. Having researched beforehand, he recognized the person he met by chance as the Imperial Crown Prince, who seemed to have a good impression of him.

"It was nice getting to know you, Plan. I have to leave for a bit, but let's keep in touch," the Crown Prince stood up to bid Xiaolin farewell.

"Alright, Allen, goodbye," Xiaolin stood up to see him off.

"No need for formalities, we're friends," the Crown Prince said with a smile.

Elated Xiaolin didn't notice the lack of a smile in Allen's eyes as he turned away.

Back in his hover car, Allen dialed the communicator.

"Uncle Emperor, I've met Plan, but I didn't detect any omega pheromones on him."

"Alright, I'll be back soon. Do you need me to pick up Aunt Emperor? I haven't met him yet."

"Okay, I'm on my way back. Please don't tell my father."

The call ended, and the hover car vanished.

Upon returning to his dorm, Ling Chunann was greeted with a big hug, "Sweetheart, I'm back."

Finally finishing his work, Ling Chunann stretched in the study of his small villa, picked up the blueprint, "098, run a simulation."

"Yes, host." 098 was also excited; if Ling Chunann succeeded, this would be one of the greatest innovations in mech history. Even without becoming an Imperial Marshal, he would leave a significant mark in the empire's history.

Ten minutes later, 098 was flustered, "Host, host, it's a success! The data matches perfectly, ready for manufacturing."

This was the culmination of nearly three years of Ling Chunann's effort, a project 098 had never seen him take so seriously before.

However, Ling Chunann was undeniably a genius. What others might spend a lifetime achieving, he managed in a fraction of the time.

Mechs have always demanded high qualifications from operators, with requirements never dipping below double A-grade, at least one S and one B-grade. Ling Chunann's design eliminated this hassle, exciting 098.

This advancement could usher in an era of universal mech access, as Ling Chunann's unique design meant mechs would no longer limit operators' abilities but become an extension of themselves.

Satisfied with the simulation's results, Ling Chunann made some adjustments to the blueprint's common manufacturing materials, "098, run the test again."

"Yes, host." 098 acted promptly, "Host, aside from a 2% increase in protective capability, there are no differences, but the cost has increased more than thirtyfold."

"Hm."

Ling Chunann then contacted Marui.

"What's up, Ah Chen?" Marui's voice came through quickly.

"I've designed a mech. Can you manufacture it for me? Calculate the costs and send them to me," Ling Chunann was concise.

"You've finished your design! That's great, congratulations! Don't worry, I'll handle it personally. The cost is on me," Marui generously offered.

"It's expensive. Calculate the costs first," Ling Chunann insisted, "I've sent you the design and materials."

"Alright, I'll check it out and get back to you soon."

"Why, host?" 098 asked, puzzled why Ling Chunann would opt for a much more expensive design under similar conditions.

Ling Chunann, for once, didn't keep it a mystery, "Because I'm a bad person."

"…" 098 didn't believe it. Although Ling Chunann didn't always act like a good person, he couldn't be considered bad, at most, someone with a clear sense of right and wrong.

"Really." Ling Chunann sighed, "Why does nobody believe the truth?"

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